The annual convention of the International Studies Association (ISA) was held from 4-7 April 2018 in San Francisco, California. The ICCS was represented by a number of key figures, including Director Professor Nicholas Wheeler, Deputy Director Dr Tereza Capelos, and Professor Paul Jackson. 

The ISA serves as a central hub for the exchange of ideas and for networking and programme initiatives among those involved in the study, teaching and practice of International Studies. The annual convention offers the chance for members to connect with each other and share research, promoting rigorous discussion, research and writing on a broad range of topics within International Studies. 

Here is a brief round-up of the papers presented and panels to which our members contributed: 

  • Prof Nicholas Wheeler was involved in a roundtable discussing the legacy and impact of Jonathan Schell's work on nuclear weapons, including its influence on the global nuclear disarmament movement. He also contributed to panels on the future of international security, trust and distrust in international relations, and a roundtable on the challenges of future arms control. Finally, and to mark the publication of his new book, 'Trusting Enemies', Nick convened a roundtable bringing together a group of leading specialists on international conflict and cooperation.
  • Birmingham Fellow Dr Giuditta Fontana presented her work on 'Peacebuilding in Ethnically Diverse Societies' (which looks at cultural reforms in peace agreements), and 'The Empirical Exploration of Peace Agreements', based on the new PAIC dataset.
  • Deputy Director Dr Tereza Capelos and PhD student Thomas Stocks presented their co-authored paper 'Understanding the Emotional Economy of Fake News' on the panel 'Power Projection, Attribution, and Control in 21st Century Information Warfare: Fake News, Trolls, and Alternative Narratives'.
  • Prof Paul Jackson presented papers on ‘Community Policing in Ethiopia’ and also on ‘Intelligence development in Sierra Leone’.
  • PhD student Ana Alecsandru presented a paper at the Junior Scholar Symposium based on her doctoral research on the role of trust for nuclear arms control agreements. Ana also gave a paper on 'Rethinking nuclear learning through empathy' part of a panel on 'Emotions and Diplomacy' sponsored by the Diplomatic Studies section. She was also invited to present her research at a workshop organised by the Texas National Security Review on the sidelines of the conference.
  • PhD alumnus Dr Daniel Rio Tinto presented a paper on 'An Analysis of the Relationship Between Decolonisation and Post-Colonial Insecurity in Lusophone Africa' for panel on Governance and Security Challenges in Africa.

 For further information please visit the ISA website.